Warrant issued after weapon discharged from vehicle

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Fort Smith man accused of discharging a weapon at two women from a vehicle last month.

Anthony Massengill, 40, was charged June 27 in Sequoyah County District Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest the same day, with no bond, according to court records.

Roland Police Sergeant Brandon Luper reported on June 24 that as he was assisting Officer Shawn Booth with a traffic stop just west of Carson Road, he heard what sounded like several gunshots north of their location.

Two women then stopped and said Massengill had allegedly fired a shotgun at them as they were driving on Loop West, near Adirondack Lane. Massengill’s vehicle was reported as being a dark grey 2019 Nissan Sentra with Arkansas plates, and it was suspected he’d fled to the Fort Smith area.

Luper drove the area looking for Massengill and was told by an unidentified motorist that a vehicle matching the description of Massengill’s had driven east from Carson Road. However, Luper was unable to locate the vehicle, according to the probable cause affidavit filed in the case.

One of the women said as they are driving, they saw Massengill drive past their residence, so they began driving behind him. The women said when both vehicles turned left, Massengill reportedly stopped and the women said they drove past him. They said when they turned onto Adirondack Lane, Massengill reportedly got out and pointed a semi-automatic handgun at them, discharging the weapon and firing two shots. The two women said even though they were not hit, they heard what sounded like one of the rounds hitting something metal. The two said they fled the area and stopped at the traffic stop where authorities were present.

According to the affidavit, Roland officer Richard Seabolt reported finding a bullet casing and a vehicle that had been struck by a bullet on Loop West. Luper was able to determine the casing was in the area where one of the women had alleged Massengill had stood while firing the two shots. The bullet had reportedly struck a pickup parked at a residence on Loop West, impacting the front fender. The homeowner told police two small children were present in the residence when the shooting reportedly took place.

Massengill is facing felony charges of use of vehicle in discharge of weapon, possession of firearm after former felony conviction, and assault, battery, or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

District Attorney Jack Thorp said if found guilty of discharging the weapon, the charge is punishable by imprisonment for two years to life; the possession of firearm charge is punishable by imprisonment for one to 10 years; while the assault and battery charge carries imprisonment for up to 10 years in the penitentiary, or one year in the county jail.